Surgical cast, cast material, and method



April 17, 1945. R. ANDERSON.

SURGICAL CAST, CAST MATERIAL, AND METHOD '2 Sheets-Sheet 1 OriginalFiled Jan. 24, 1940 IN VEN TOR.

Raye! Jude/.9022

ITTOR/YEYS April 17, 1945. R. ANDERSON 2,373,302

SURGICAL CAST, CAST MATERIAL, AND METHOD Original Filed Jan. 24,- 1940 2Sheets-$heet 2 M 471/; 4 "29- 34 38 as ,IIILIIL' 4 4 my. 33 y I N V E NT0 R. Roger flmerson 3y Patented Kpr. 17, 1945' MET Roger Anderson,Seattle, Wash.

Original application January 24,1940, Serial No. 315,390. Divided andthis application July 6, 1942,se i 1-No .44 9,s90 4 a 2': Claims. (01.128-90) I This invention relates to a, structural supporting-coveringmeans formed from a plurality of members having a multiplicity ofcontacting portions and means adhering the members together at suchcontacting portions. This invention also contemplates a material readyfor application comprising 'a, multiplicity of flexibly joined togetherplastic members forming a strip permitl laster of Paris casts were ofdifferent forms, they generally comprised thin layers of gauze or theting. contacting members to be adhered together. a

at their contacting portions. This application is a division of myco-pending application Serial Number 315,390, filed January 24, 1940,and now Patent No. 2,308,483.. n

'More particularly this invention truss-like supporting memberparticularly applicable'to the surgical and medical field for use as acast. In describing this invention in connection with this field ofutility, it is to be understood that the invention. is not limited. tosuch field but is coextensive to all fields where like problems exist inwhole or in part. This: invention includes a method of preparing adevice, such as a cast member; aprepared material; and the completeddevice, such as the completed cast. a a a Medical and surgicalcastsprimarily havefor relates to a J r terial ready for'application,such as a castma likedis'posed between layers of plaster of Paris.

In orthopedic surgery, generally it is necessary to place the patientunder an-anaesthetic duringthe time of-the bone operation or fracturereduction, to apply the cast and then to keep the patient under theanaesthetic until the cast has sufliciently set to prevent displacementof the fracture.

Whileit'has been long known thatthere are many shortcomings in thecommonly used plaster of Paris casts, still no one has heretoforedevised a cast'which has been satisfactory and will overcome theserecognized shortcomings.

Itis an object of my invention to provide a cast member which will setand dry rapidly and thus reduce the relatively long anaesthetic periodheretofore required where the standard plaster of Paris casts were used.While plaster of Paris cast-forming material may be obtained havinglonger and shorter setting periods, this does not solve the problem, Thesetting, period of the plaster of Paris employed must be determined bythe sizeof the cast One layer after another of the plaster ofP aris isapplied and there should be no setting of the first layers until thelatter layers their purpose (a) fixation and (b) to sustaintraction orpull andcounter-tractionor counter-pull.

For example, where a bone has been fractured, it is necessary that thebroken parts beheld in the desired position to permit healing. A oast'isplaced over the flesh about the bone and indirectly holds the bones inthe desired positionindirect in that the cast must act through the fleshin providing the desired position of the bone.

Aprimary object of thi invention is to provide a' cast material whichmay be applied to follow uniformly the variations in the fleshed thatthe cast will conform to the body. This is particularly necessary, forif thepressure is not uniformly distributed over a substantialv area,soreness in particular spot will result Or if the pressure is'so greatas, to close ,ofi' blood vessels,

then gangrenous conditions will result. Local pressure soresorgangrenous conditions resulting from pressure are notat all uncommon incasts heretofore used. 'Heretofore plaster of Paris casts were the typeof casts generally employedin main taining reduced or set fractures."While these are applied. In view of the fact that a chemical changetakes place with the setting of plaster of Paris, the'a'pplication of asecond layer over a I previously set layer would cause a weakening ofthe first set layer; Furthermore, if the first layer were set before thesecond layer were applied,

there would belittle, if any, adhesion between the two layers; Where aspica cast is applied, that is, about the body and one limb, or a doublespica cast, that is, about the body and two limbs, a very substantialand thickcast structure is'provided. To apply a spice orjdouble spicaplaster of Paris" 'cast will obviously require considerablepe riods oftime, and if ,a proper cast of sufficient strength istobeprovided,obviously a slow-setting cast material must be employed or else thevarious layers of the cast will not be properly adhered together in aunitary cast'structure; The useofa cast material, having a settingperiod so that the first bandages have not set before the later oneshave been applied, obviously means that'a'long periodof time'jm-ustresult after the cast has been applied before the same is set. Un-

der such circumstances a relatively long anaesthetic period is requiredeven though it is readily conceded that long anaesthetic periods havevery undesirable effects on patients.

It is an object of my invention to provide a cast which is verytransparent to the rays from X- ray and fluoroscope devices so that thecondition of the fracture may be ascertained at all times. The plasterof Paris casts heretofore used are relatively dense to the rays of anX-ray or fluoroscope device and more dense when wet so that theattending physician could not positively ascertain conditions existingaround'a fracture.

If the attending orthopedic surgeon is able touse a fluoroscope at thetime of reducing the fracture and applying the cast, very substantialincrease in the precision of the operation isef fected.

In this connection it must be remernejy bered that some portions of thebody, as the hips,

as by wet plaster of Paris, will eliminate the pos- I sibility of use ofthe fluoroscope in fracture cases v involving such dense parts of theanatomy.

It is a further object of my invention to provide a cast which istransparent or of an open mesh-like structure so that the attendingphysician will be able to ascertain existingskin conditions under thecast. Where an ordinary plaster of Paris cast is .used, the attending phsician is unable to ascertain the condition of the skin and is thereforenot warned that gangrenous conditions by reason of pressure areimpending. Obviously, all of the complaints of patients cannot beproperly evaluated, as the normal reap.- tions following an injury arenot uniform. On the other hand if the atten ing physician examines theskin as to color, etc... he will be in .a position to more accuratelydiagnose existin conditions and to evaluate the complaints of patients.

It is an object of my invention to provide a cast member which 'may bereconstructed orfremember under the cast may change size considerablydue to swelling or reduction of swelling. With plaster of Paris casts achemical action takes place with the setting thereof, and subsequentwetting of the cast does not serve to soften the cast so that it may berehardened, but serves to crumble or wash away the set material. It hasthus been long recognized that plaster of Paris casts have an inherentdisadvantage so far as form-fitting throughout the life of their use,and this has been a matter of great concern to the attending physician.

' It is an object of my invention to provide a cast formed from aplasticmaterial which material will provide a cast that is non-toxic. Furtherit is an object to provide a cast from a plastic material which isnon-absorbent. Present plaster of Paris casts are absorbent and it isnot uncommon, particularly with elderly persons, for casts to becomeexceedingly contaminated by bodyeliminations or body sweat withresulting odors.

It an object of my invention to provide a cast made from plasticmaterial which may be a cast is applied, it is common, especially when acast is applied shortly afteran injury, for swelling to occur to theinjured member. Thus where a fresh fracture is involved it is frequentlyadvisable to split the cast lengthwise so as not to cause undue pressureas the tissues around the fracture swell. .Of course if the pressurewere not relieved bysplitting the cast, there is always the likelihoodof subsequent gangrenous conch-a tions. Also after the swelling normallyinhering in a fresh fracture has been reduced. there is a furthershrinkage due. to the fact that the cast causes the flesh to be immobileandresults in muscle atrophy and shrinkage of the soft tissues. Thus acast which properly fits at the timeof application often becomes too bigbecause of muscle atrophy and shrinkage. The unit cast structure of theplaster of Paris cast is or importance in determinin the strength of thecast- If it is necessary tosplit a plaster of Paris cast to obtain a p pr fi the strength of the cast is materially decreased by reason of thesplitting. At. the presenttime bulky reins forcements are employed in aneffort to avoid the weaknesses caused by splitting ofthe cast. Howeversuch bulky reinforcements generally do not accomplish the purpose ofproviding the ori inal strength.

It is, desirable that a cast be form-fitting throughout the life of. itsuse even thou h the r-e-used and therefore has scrap value.

It is an object of this invention to provide a cast member which may beapplied in the surons fliceor other place Where convenient. In thefpriorart plaster of Paris casts, due to the powdery conditions ofthe looseplaster of Paris andthe extremely untidy operation involved in applyinga plaster of Paris cast, the use of such casts in o fices or otherplaces away from an operating room has been extremely limited. Inapplying a plaster of Paris cast, the plaster of Paris bandages must be.applied wet and drip out white material, so that a special room, as theoperating room, is used and, in practicalefiect, e pplication oitenresults in an appearance much like the plastering of a house.-

It is an object of my invention toprovide a cast which is characterizedby being free from moisture at the time of application, thus eliminatingthe relatively long drying-out period folloiirin the setting periodexisting in plaster of Paris casts. After a plaster of Paris cast setssufficiently so that it Will secure the fracture in the desiredposition, still there are very substantial. portions of Waterpresentwhich must be removed as by evaporation. With a body cast it takes from24 to 48 hours, or even longer, .for the moisture to dry out of thecast. It is not uncommon Ior many complications to follow be cause ofsuch moisture and lon dry outperiod where large casts, as body casts,spica or double spicas, are involved. These complications includepneumonia. With the evaporation of moisture from the cast a cooling orlowering. of temperature, may be expected. 0n the other hand, it is theaccepted method of treatment to combat shock following a major operationto ap- Ply heat and any cooling is undesirable. Obviously, it isdifllcult to have applied heat reach the patient through the insulationof a Wet heavy plaster of Paris cast. v

It.is an object of my invention to provide a castmember which willpermit therapy, includ ing hydrotherapy, treatments without adverselyaffecting. the cast member. The skin continually grows and there is asloughing off of old skin and a constant secretion by the body pores.When it is necessary to confine a patient within a plaster of Paris castfor a relatively lon period, this secretionand sloughed-off skinaccumulate, causing undesirable Odors and irritation of the aevas'oaskin. Oitentimes it isnecessar-y to provide electrical, light,chemical," or drugtherapy to'the' skin. Such treatment is *obviouslyimpossible'f with present-Way plaster 'oi 'Paris' casts and at times itis necessaryjtorernove a-cast merely to provide some of the abovetreatments and then to provide a new cast; 'Many times; while thetherapy treatment may be essential to combat certain complications,still thisrnaynotbe done without seriously hazarding the fracture by'r'emoving thecast.

It is, therefore, an object ofthis inventionito I provide a cast memberwhich is'u'nafiected'by moisture, which moisture may be present reasonof hydrotherapy treatments, moisture from f the air or moisturesecretion from the patient. fIn'this connection it is important to notethatca'sts are 7 used in many cases which arenot'fracturelcfases' butfor cases as sprains, swollen tender joints,

arthritis, holding extremities, bodyor head,..in

corrected positions,'club feet, andiollowing cer tain plasticoperations, such as" for skin, Ltendons, nerves, blood vessels, musclesand joint conditions. In'these cases it'mayflbe advisable to provide thepatient'withyarious types of therapy, water therapy in specialexercise'tanks, and baths.

It is an object of this inventiontoiprovide a cast which ischaracterized byhavingjits full strength shortly after the cast isappliedifl Inthe prior art plaster of Paris casts, the casts weresomewhat weak until the plaster of "Paris had completely set andcompletely dried, the period of complete drying requiring often fromtwentyv four hours'to forty-eight hours depending on the bulk of thecast. Manytimes plaster of'Paris' able. In this connection I provide acast which will weigh one-third or less than the weightgene erallynecessary in plaster of Paris casts j It is an object of my invention toprovide[a v cast-forming material, which cast-forming material may beprovided in strips orsheets pomprised of a plurality oi contactingpieces so that the strips may be applied in contacting relation about'aninjured member orpart and then the the cas'tjand any 'additional castmaterial or like nature whichmaybapphed thereto; ilt is a further objectof my invention to provide a cast material whichmay be applied withmorelatitude allowed in technique. Contrary to prevailing 'opiniorn'it-takes considerable skillfand ex erienceammpenya my apl'aster ofParis cast. The passage" containing the plaster of Paris must belappedaround many times'and the base of thisfpla'ster'ofParis bandage isordinary cotton-bandag which has a tendency'to 'fold' and cause"cr'easesiiriless" properly applied. Greases, if present, generally cause localskin sores, undue pressure, complicationsand pain. It is an object of myinvention to'ipro'vide a cast-forming 'material which may bexa'ppliedwith the exercise of less skill or more latitude in technique and at thesame time-to. provide.,a,closelyconforming wellfittinacast.

is n object of jrny inventionstoprovide a cast which rnay be. ,easily,and readily removed whend e'sired, lrrthe prior art many castshave athickness upto. an inch and a.ha1f,;which thickne'ss 'is'providd bya;'number of layers of cloth. anda number of layers of hardened or: setplaster 0f Paris. It is obviously a 'ver'y diflicult task to remove sucha cast. Generally the cast is cut away. by knives audit is really a taskfor a chisel and a hammen fpn the other hand, Iprovide a away by anordinary pair-or shears.

1-.It is anobjectof myrinvention to provide in cast which may bechemically softened or cut dryforn'raplurality oipieces of materialwhich will formsa truss-likestructure, with the pieces and.;po rtions,.of apiece in contacting relation so that they, maybeadhered, cementedor welded together, to forma unit: cast structure. It is a furtherobject, oi my invention to form a mesh-.

like str a s; that visibility and accessibility to the skin of thepatient is. not eliminatedby the presence, ofpthe cast structure. It isa -further object" of invention to provide. a; castr forming material ina form so that there isno deterioration of the sameby eirposure to airor Weather In an'extensiontype' of cast, two separate casts are ,iqrrnedwith aspace therebetween, then the roper extension 'is made'and acast'is provided I between the two separate members The prior "equiredan'extremely' e it a r 95. 311

- bulky east to obtain' the de'siredistrength in such pieces adheredtogether at their contacting portions.

It is an object of my invention to provide a cast which will be closelyconforming and comfort-K able feeling to the patient, and neatappearingQ It is an object of my invention to provide a cast which has acertain degree ofresiliency t'o the end of eliminating theiracturing andchip'- ping heretofore resulting when plaster oi -Paris castswereinuse.v f

It is an object of my invention to provide a cast which may be readilyand rapidlyout so as to permit the same to conform to theibodytoeliminate pressure sores and at thesame time" to permit the cast to beimmediately and rapidly f repaired without loss of strength. In thisconnection I provide a cast 'where fthere is; proper annealing, fusingor cementing action between dinarycast of my invention. I

type of casts. As distinguished therefrom, my invention provides anextension type of cast with l'ittledifficulty and no more bulk than theor- Vinylresins, v C ll lo nd 1 Similar substances.

5 "Also the 'plasti c pattern may transparent or suitably coloredifdesired? Adhesives or liquids to be used inadherifld. 3

ing orsecuring the-pieces of maria! together: I

. Benzyl (Jelloslve Acetylene dichloride n-Butylamine v Ethyl acetateMethyl acetate Methyl ethyl ketcne Amyl acetate (mixed isomere)Cellosolve Methyl amyl acetate 1 Methyl Cellosolve acetate Carbitol andC'ellosolve are trade designations but not proprietary trade-marks oiproducts extensively used and known in industry. The

said names are defined in standard chemical dietionaries. They areprobably best defined as Carbitol meaning diethyleneglycol ethyletherand as "Cellosolve" meaning ethylene glycol mono-ethyl ether.

I Forms lhe materials may be employed in the form of solids, coatedinert solids, or hollow structures,

Structures Typical structures which may be employed are illustrated inthe following drawings, the same being preferred exemplary forms ofstructures for use in this invention, throughout which drawings likereference numerals indicate like parts:

Figure lisa fragmentary plan view of a' form of structure showingsphere-shaped pieces secured to a carrier means, as wool, cotton orrayon fabric or a piece of paper;

Fig. 2 is a view partly in elevation and partly in section substantiallyon broken line 2-2 of Fig. 1; I

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1 except the pieces are shown as halfspheres and their bases are secured to the carrier means; Y

' Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig; 2 taken on 4-4 f Fi Fig. 5 isa viewsimilar to Fig. 1 except the pieces are shown as tapering members, suchas truncated cones and their bases are secured to carrier means;

1 Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 2 taken on 6-4 of Fl 5;

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 1 except the pieces are shown astapered members, such as truncated pyramids with their bases secured tocarrier means;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 2 taken on 8 ..8 of Fig. '7; I g

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 1 except the pieces are shown asdisc-like members;

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 2 taken on 10,-! 0 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 1 except the pieces are shown asrectangular solids;

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 2 taken on l2-l-2 of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. lexcept the pieces are shown as havingirregular shapesj Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. 2' taken on "-1 4 ofFig. 13; I

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary plan view of another form of structure with thetop carrier means partially broken away showing a plural ty of ir--regular-shaped pieces between two carrier means and with stitchingprovided to securethe irregular-shaped members between the carriermeans;

Fig. 16 is a sectional viewtaken substantially on broken line I8--l6 ofFig. 15; I

Fig. 17 is a view similar to Fig, 15 showing a plurality ofribbon-likemembersbetween carrier means; i

Fig. 18 is a view similar to Fig. 16 takenon I8-l8 of Fig. 17; I

Fig. 19 is a view similar to Fig. 15 exceptthe pieces are shown asthread-dike; I

- Fig. 20 isa view taken substantially on 20 20 Fig. 21 is a fragmentaryplan view of another form of structure where members, as the halfspheres of Figs. Band 4. are molded with-pieoes of the material formedbetween the half spheres to serve as carrier means; 1

Fig. 22 is a view partly-in elevation and partly in section takensubstantially on broken line 22-22 of Fig. 21; I 1

Fig.23 is a view where members, as the spheres of Figs. 1 and 2, aresecured together by a'string like member fiorm ed integral with'thespheres at the time of molding;

Fig. 24 is a view, similar to Fig. 22 takenon 24-44 of Fig, 23; r

Fig. 25 is a fragmentary plan view of a structure similar to Fi s. .3and 4 except that the half spheres are hollow; I

Fig. 26 is a view-similar to Fig. 22 taken on 26-26 of Fig. 25; I

Fig. 27 isa view similar to Fig. 25 except that the half spheres areformed by coating-an inert material; I I

Fig. 28 is a view similar to Fig. ZZ- takenon' 28-48 of Fig. 27;

Fig. .29 is a View similar to Fig-21 except that the half spheres areconnectedby a sheet of material which has be n slotted;

Fig. 30 is a view similar to Fig. 22 stantially on -30 3Il of Fig. 29; ii

Fig. 31 is a view similar to Fig. 21 except that the members and-theirconnecting -means are formed byslotting a continuous sheet of material;

Fig. 32 is a view similar to Fig. 22-taken on 32-32 ofFig. 3.1; 1

Fig. 3.3 is a fragmentary plan view of a structure where a pluralityofpstaggered blocks are provided with recesses through whichthreadlikememberspass and which thread-like members are secured to theblocks;

Fig. 34 is'a sectional view taken substantially on 34-134 of Fig. 3 i

Fig. 35 is a sectional view taken substantially on 35.-35 o Fl'g. 33; II I Fig. 3.6 isa perspectiveview of ne shown in Figs. 3,335; i 1

Fig. 37 is a plan view of a structure showing 2.

taken sub-' of the blocks plurality of staggered blocks and thread-likesheetv of material; I

thread members formin ture;

Fig. 43 is a sectional viewtakensubstantiallylon broken line 43-43 .ofFig: 42; V e

Fig. 44 is a view similarto Fig. 42 :except that link members-have beensubstituted for theplate members; Fig. 45 is a sectional view takensubstantially on broken line 4545 of Fig. 44; 1 t Fig. 46 is afragmentary view partlyin sectionand partly in elevation showing -astructure formed of two layers of truncatedcone members;

Fig. 4'7 is a fragmentary view partly'insection and partly in elevationshowing a. structureformed of two layers of spheremembers; I Fig. 481isa fragmentary view partly ina section and partly in elevation showingan. structure formed of twolayers of half-sphere'members; Fig. 49 is afragmentary view partly in section and partly in elevation showing astructure. formed of two layers of rectangular. members; 1

Fig. 50 is a fragmentary viewpartlyzin section .and partly in elevationshowing a-structure com-- prising block-like members with a superposedFig. 51. is a fragmentaryview in elevation show,- ing a structure formedof a plurality of thread.- like members;

Fig. 52 is a view taken substantially online 5252.ofFig.51; r -13 w Fig.53 is a fragmentary sectional view showinga structure formed ofaplurality of ribbon-like members; and 3 Fig. 54 is aview taken 54--54ofFig.53. 1 In Figs. 1 and-2, I have shown a-plurality ofspheresI20which are secured to a carrier means IZI which-may. be wool,cottomrayon. plasticor glass fabric or 'a piece ofpaper-as crepe paperIn Figs. 3 and 41 have :shown half spheres I22 secured to a carriermeans ,I'ZI; In Figs. and

substantially on 6, I have shown truncated cones I23 'secured tocarriermeans I2 I; In Figs. '7 and 8, l=have shown truncatedpyramids- I24 whicharesecured to car-- rier means I2I. In Figs. 9 and 10, I have shown.

disc-like members I25 which are secured-to car:

rier means I I2I. Figs. 11 and -12 show rectan'gu' lar-shaped piecesI26'secured't0 carrier means I2I, and Figs. 13 and 14 showirregular-shape pieces I21 secured to carrier means -I2I.

The various shaped pieces shown in Fi-gs.;-I to' inclusive, may besolids or they may be hollow or they: may be provided by coatinganine'rt-material. As an illustration thereofgl have shown in Figs. 25and 26 hollow half spheres I28-and in Figs. 2'7 and 28- inertmater-ia l129 mm a coating I30 thereon. The inert material; I29 is-inert so far asthe material used'for the particles and" the adhesive used isconcerned.i 1

In Figs. 15 andlfi-I have shown a-plurality' of irregular-shapedpiecesI3I Whicliare posi-' tionedbetween two carrier means *I'2 I andprovided with'stitchings I32 so that-the members will be held inposition until the-adhesive material is applied' In Fig's. 17'aIid--18,'--I"have* shown a plurality of, ribbon-like members I33secured between two carrier means 'I-2I, and} again worsenin -134 whichis similar to the"- stitching I32. In Figs; 19 and-ZOIhave shown aplurality of thread-like members lidsecure'd between two carrier meansIZ I by stitchings'flfi.

In Figs. -15-20 I have shown 'two carrier means I2I with a plurality ofvariou's' shapedpieces therebetween, and have utilized a stitching-10'hold the pieces in their initial position This will provide a strip-likecaste-formingjmaterial which may be conveniently applied and with thevarious pieces'secured for convenient application. "Thereafter.thadhesive material is applied and the various pieces are securedtogether at their con are formed from the materlaliorming the members.For example, I' have shown that'the threadlike members I 31 may be usedinconnection with the half spheres I21. In Figs. '23 and 24 I have showna'; carriermeans in the nature'of a thread I38'which may be OfCOttOH,WQOl, rayon; paper,

or thelike, and *theifmembers are molded over such thread-like memberI38. While 'I have shown thread-like members in such figure's; obviouslya fabric may be employed. The shape of the member again may be any ofthe forms shown in Figsf 1-114; and as an example I have shown thespheres IZQL] In'Fig. 2 9 I'have shown astructure'where the members ashalf spheres I39 are moldedintegral with a continuous sheet of thematerial I40 andwhcrejslots IIII are provided. 'Theslots' I 4IQ iprovide. theproperflelasticity, so that the material will co'n form tothe shape-desiremas tapering or irregular, Also all carrier meansdisclosed. herein'Tarefpreferably,someWhat elastic for thesamepurposes'uch elasticity may obtain in carrier means, as I38 6r Figs.23-24 by the nature or structure of the material or the, excess thereofbetween' mjembersfas between members I20. In

Fig. 31. 'Ifhavle shown a continuous sheet of ma} teria'll ll which isprovided with slots I43 so that s ap s: a is k m be se f med- 1 1 .iFsfz e 2 s i e. a lte ativebarrier meanswhere the members of various pesmay m d o hrew or. b ieeli s m m e s-0 w c t co ton. r yon, la pa raorthe like or where the oarriermay be lf ormed of the materialin themembers themselves either as, string-like members or as acontinuoussheet with 0tS--,. Y In Figstt33-36,.I have shown a plurality ofblock-like members 3 I44 provided with recesses l45 through which pass,a plurality of threads as threads I38. The blocks are; staggered asshown inFig. 33 and each thread is secured to the block.

shown a ,-plurality of blocks-I41 and threads I38- 1 passing .thereover,withthe threads 'adhesively secured to the ,blocksas at I 48. In Figs.39-41,

previousstrips. I have further shown a plurality.- of ways in which theblocks may be. initially. se-i cured to .form strips, which willthereafter be adhesivelyrsec'ured tog-ether .at their contactingport/ions. I

Figs. .42 and 43 disclose astructure inlw hich aplurality .ofxplates I52of plastic. material are positioned-side byside and connectedtogether-by flexible rods or threads I38 and thus form a link belt-likestructure.. V v 7 Figs. 44 and 45 :disclose .links I153 formedofplasticmaterial-and connected together by flexible connecting-memberssuch as threads I38.'

The structures in Figs. 42-45 are somewl'iat'v similar to those. ofFigs. 33-41.

In the event of the use of the tapered members I23 of Figs. and 6,or-I2l of. Figs? andv 8, pairs of layers will be wrappedto provide thecast-so. that the members will interfit to provide a structure shown inFig. 46. This figure is a fragmentary view partly in section and partlyin elevation where one strip formed. of carrier I2I and truncated cones:I23 is placed over the injured member with the carrier I2I adjacentthereto anda paired. layer is placed over the first layer. with thetruncated cones I23 inwardly and. the carrier I2I outwardly. After apair of layers has been thus provided, an adhesive. is sprayed to adherethe contacting portions of the members I23 together. I

In the event of the use of the spheres I20 of Figs. 1 and 2, pairs. oflayers will be wrapped to provide the cast so that the members willinteriit to provide a structure shown in Fig. 47. This figure is afragmentary view partly in section and partly in elevation where onestrip Iormedfof a carrier I2I' and spheres I20 is placed over theinjured member with the carrier ,I2I' adjacent thereto and a pairedlayer'is placed over the first layer with the spheres I20 inwardly andthe carrier I2I outwardly. After a pair of layers has been thusprovided, an adhesive is sprayed to adhere the contacting portions ofthe members I20 together.

In the event of the use or the half spheres I22 of Figs. 3 and 4 or thesimilar half spheres 01' Figs. 25 to 28 inclusive, pairs of layers willbe wrapp d to provide thecast so that the members will interfit toprovide a structure shown in Fig. 48. This figure is a fragmentary viewpartly in section and partly in elevation where one strip' formed of acarrier I2| and half. spheres I22 is placed over the injured member withthe carrier I2I adjacent thereto and a paired layer is placed over thefirst layer with the half spheres I22 inwardly and the carrierI2I-outwardiy. After a pair of layers has been thus provided, an adhesive is sprayed to adhere the contacting por tions of the members I22togethen.

In the event of the use of the disc-like. members I25 of Figs. 9 and 10,or the rectangles I20 of Figs. 11 and 12, pairs of layers will bewrapped to provide the cast so that the members willoverlap to providethe structure. shown in FIg; 49 This figure is a fragmentary view partlyin section and I partly in elevation where one strip formed of'a carrierI2I. andrectangles I26 is placed over the injured member with thecarrier I2I adjacent thereto and a paired layer is placed over the firstlayer with the rectangles I25 inwardly and the carrier I.2I outwardly.The rectangles I20- may be sufficiently thin to bend and form the curveas shown in Fig. 49 or their shape maybe orig inally arcuate in section.After a pair of layers has beenthus provided, an adhesive is sprayed toadhere the contacting portions of the members I26.- together.

The use of the other shaped members in Figs... 1-45 and their appearanceis deemed obvious. in view of the foregoing discussion in connectionwith Figs. 46-49, and for that. reason I have not made furtherillustrations. However, it is to be understood that. I may combinevarious shaped members and use one of one. form and another of anotherform, so that the number of possible permutations is large. In.illustration thereof, I have shown in Fig. 5.0. block-like members. I56mounted on a carrier means I2I anda'sheet I55 having openings 156therein. This figure is a fragmentary view in section showing thecarrier means I2I adjacentthe member over which a cast is formed andwith the. other parts. exteriorly thereof. After the carrier 1H andblock-like members I54 have been placed over the injured member with theblock-like members I54 outwardly,.asheet of materialISS with openingsI56 therein is wrapped in contacting relation 1 with the blocks I54.Thereafter an adhesive is sprayedto adhere the sheet I55 to the blocksI54 at. their contacting portions. I

In Figs. 51 and 52' I have shownanothermodifled structure. Fig. 51 is afragmentary view in elevation, and Fig. 52 is a view takens-ulbstantially on.:52--.-52 of Fig. 51. Here a plurality of thread-likemembers I51 are wound about an inlured member and the adhesive sprayedto secure the thread-like: members together to form the cast.

In Figs. 53 and 54 I have shown another modifled structure whereribbon-like members I58 are wound about aniniu red member to form acast. Fig. 53 is a fragmentarysectional view and Fig. 54 is a view takensubstantially on line E l-54 of Fig. 53.. In this. structure a pluralityof ribbon-like memberslfl are wound about an injured member and theadhesive is then sprayed. on the members to adhere them together at 30.their contacting portions and thus form a cast structure.

The particles or pieces employed in my invention may take various shapesor configurations as illustrated in the previously described 35.drawings. The materials from which these members may be formed, as wellas adhesives which maybe employed, have also been described- The surfaceof the material used .is preterablynon-porous-in character so that anyexcess adhesive used will. be. readily removed instead of tending tocompletely dissolve the material. It is important to note that I haveprovided flexibly joined; pieces which are discrete geometric solids.Such. term as herein employed, both in the specification and claims,defines the illustrated spheres, half spheres, truncated cones,truncated pyramids, discs, rectangles, irregular shaped pieces, blocks,links, etc., so that discrete, tangible, or corporal pieces areprovided. ,Also such solids may be formed of a common material, they maybe hollow, or they may be a coated inert material. Also it is importantto; note that I provide. flexible joining means between the geometricsolids so that flexibility obtains therefrom. The term flexible joiningmeans providing flexibility between said solids as employed herein willinclude the carrier means. I2I of various figures, the thread-likemembers I31, the thread I38, the flexible interlocking'means, etc., sothat flexibility obtains in the connecting means between discretegeometric solids. The various discrete pieces or geometric solids. duetotheir flexible joining means, are conformed about an injured member andwith surface contact between adjacent pieces this contact is shown inthe various figures and such term is. so employed herein. Afterproviding such contact, theadherence of the solids together provides arigid structure, wherein preventionof-relative movement between thesolids provides the rigidity. v

In applying a cast in. accordancewith this invention, it may beadvisable to first apply a cloth aboutv the injured member. If it isfound desirable p such a. c t r b y 1 Also, preferably, the particlesarecause adherence between the .plastic members at cloth formed .ofspun.glass is. used, as such cloth is inert to bodylperspiratiom, Eitherover such cloth or directly'tover the injured member, the

pieces. or particles. ofv the material are applied to form. a plurality;of contactingmembers having. numerous ora plurality of contacting areas.The strips comprising a plurality. of pieces may be applied in a'drystate and then sufficient adhesive. sprays applied. Excess adhesive willbe readily removed and a quick-setting 1 cast formed.- In addition tospraying the adhesive, it

may be applied as by dipping the particles or it may be applied by abrush;

tial cross-sectionarea such as atleast of an inch. It seems that whererelatively largeparticles are used excess adhesive will evaporate and/ormigrate inwardly of thepiecesor particles without dissolving the same,thus removing-excess adhesive and permitting considerable latitude intheamountof adhesive which may beapplied. This means that I have removedany necessity. for the application- 01 a critical amount .of' adhesive,which compensates for the tone whichmay be used. Of course if the ace-.-

tone substantially dissolved the cellulose acetate, a very slowdrying-would result. However, I have found that by spraying thestructure with acetone very little acetone need beemployed, and due tothe body of the material, the discrete structure, and the contactingrelationship between such'di'screte pieces, excess, if any, acetone willbe eliminated 'so 'that a rapid setting ob-' tains." In the event of useof a rayon carrier,

acetone will cause the "carrier to become a Part.

of'the completed cast. ff The-contacting plastic'members may beadheredto'geth'er by adhesives which are applied by abrushor a spray. Ifapplied bya spray, the liquid maybe heated andap'plied as a heatedvapor. Also a str p m be "i erse dipped the liquid before application."In such'cases,

itfmay be advisable'to apply a, thus wette'd layer adjacent one orbetween two drylayers. Also where relatively small pieces of plasticmaterial,

are employed and the same are dipped before application, the excessliquid, may be removed physically. as by wringermeans. l

As an alternative means of adhering together atjt heir contactingportions any of the various shaped plastic'members previously described,the plastic members mayv be form'ed'ori or in contact with a metallicmaterial or pieces thereof. For example, in Figs, 27 and 28, the piecesI30 may eirormed" withfa metallic core, I 29. Thereafter theplasticmaterial maybe heated'bysaid metallic', member being placed in inductiverelation to a primary field and a temperature inithe plasticmembersfattained' which Swill cause the plastic rnemb'ers tobecomesuiiic ently' fluid to of "a'subst'an their contactingiportions.:r A furtheralternative. means of adheringv together at their contacting:portions any of the various shapedaplaistic members previously. .de- Iscribed mayi'beaccomplish'ed by providingalternate 1 memberszwlth adried adhesive thereon,

much like the adhesive on a. postage stamp; and

thereafter wetting the structure to cause adherence between pieces-orparticles at theircontacting portions. In this connection I prefer touse ;..water-proof-'.fanimal glue or glue having similar water-proofcharacteristics. Insuch instances the particles or pieces'formingtheframework-maybe of any suitable'plastic as previously described or.plastics which will not be dissolved densates. l

Also a framework.maybe-provided about an or softened-by the adhesive,such as phenol coninjured member by *the'use of any of the previouslydescribed structures and thereafter :tape

means'appliedabout such framework. In this joined by. means which areofv substantially less dimension and. greater fiexibility than the saidinstance the =adhesive material maybe carried by either the framework orthe applied tape. In

this respect Ihavefound that Scotchtapeor ordinarymedical adhesive tapemay be utilized: l Casts embodying my invention set with suchphenomenalrapidity that the period of time which the patient vmust' bekept under. an anaesthetic will be greatlyreduced over any type of castheretofore known Furthermore casts embodying my inventionmayi be made toconform to th exteriorsurface of an; injured member andasuch conformity.maytbe" maintained throughout the use'ofvtheicast; Also the undersurface, or the surface "contacting the skin, of my castis-such'thatmovement of-the skin relative to the cast ispossible; This resultsfrom'the fact :that the cast does not provide'a continuous '40contacting-area but provides spaces between the cOntacting areas. 'By'permitting movement of the skin-relative to the cast very substantialmedicalvalues .res'ult.- My invention thus provides a prepared materialreadyfor'application, as a cast materialwhich may besold toorthopedicsurgeons in strip-form; my invention provides; also, the devicwhich is made up from suchprepared material, as thecast which is madeup'bysapplying the prepared material about an injured member; and myinvention covers the method. of applying the prepared material toformadevicasuch asacast.

Obviously, changes maybe made in the forms, dimensions and arrangementsof-the'parts of my invention without departing from theprinciplethereof.

Iclaimz I a 1. 'Themethod of forming a surgical cast or splint fromastrip composed ofa multiplicity of dlscrete geometric solids of a 1plastic material solids thereby providing substantial flexibility in thejoining. means as compared to said solids and soithat .one layer ofa'strip contacts an'other'layer only at. the solids, comprising flexingthe joining meansin conforming the said stripabout an injured member;positioning said solids with surface portions'of adjacent solidsonlyicontacte ing, thereby providing air spaces between solids of thestrip; and adhesivelysecuring said contacting surface portions only ofsaid solidstogether. thereby. preventing relative movement betweensolids and forming a; rigid:and open surgicalstructure; I .1 w

' 2. The method of formingasln'gical :cast or splint from a stripcomposed. of awmultiplicity of discrete geometric :solidsin thezshapeofflattened solids, as'substantially. discs, and formed of a plasticmaterial joined byimeans whichiare of substantially lessdimensioneandgreater flexibility than the said solidsthereby providingsubstantial flexibility in. the joining. means as compared to saidsolidsand so' that: one layer ctr-fa strip contacts anotherlayer only atthe solids, comprising flexing the joining means in conform;-

ing the said strip about an injured member; -positioning said solidswith surface portions of adias cent solids only contacting, thereby:providing. air spaces between solids of. the strip; and adhesivelysecuring said contacting surface. portions. only of said solidstogetherthereby preventing irelaf tive movement between solids and forming a andopen surgical structure.

3. The method of forming a surgical :cast or splint from a stripcomposedof1.a,multiplicity:of discrete geometric solids inthe, shape ofsolids having a curved surface, as. substantially. half spheres, andformed of a. plastic material joined by means which are of substantiallyless dimension and greater flexibility than the :said solids therebyproviding substantial flexibility invthe joiningmeans as compared'tosaid solids. and so that onelayer of a strip .contacts another layeronly at the solids, comprising flexing the joining means in conformingthe said strip about an injured member; positioning said solidswithsurface portions of adjacentsolids only contacting, thereby providingair spaces between solids of the strip; and adhesively securing, saidcontacting surface portions only of said solids together therebypreventingrelative movement between solids and forming a rigid and opensurgical structure.

4. The method of forming a surgical; cast or splint from a stripcomposed of a multip1ici-ty of discrete geometricsolids inthe, shape oftapered solids, as substantially truncated cones, and formed of aplastic materialjoined by means which are of substantiallyless dimensionand greater flexibility than thezsaid solids thereby providingsubstantial flexibility in, the joining meansas compared to said solidsand so that one tions only of said solids together thereby preventingrelative movement between solids and forming a rigid and open surgicalstructure.

5. A surgical cast or splint formed of a multiplicity of dry anddiscrete geometrical-solids of a. plastic material which have beenjoined by connecting. means of. less dimensionuand greater flexibilitythan the said solids and thereby conformed about an injured member with.onelayer of a strip contacting another layer; only at the solids,therebyproviding air spaces between solids and providing contactingsurface portions between adjacent solids and which solids have beenadhesively secured at said contacting portions preventing relativemovement between-solids and thereby formed into a rigid structure,

6. A surgical castor splint-formed of a multiplicity of dry and discretegeometricalsolidsin the shape of flattened solids, as substantiallydiscs, and formed of aplastic material which have been joined byconnecting-menisci less ri id.

dimension and greater flexibility than the said solids'and therebyconformed about an injured member with one layer of a. strip contacting'another layer only at the solids, thereby providing air spaces betweensolids and providing contacting surface portions between adjacent solidsand which'solids have :been adhesively secured at said contactingportions preventing relative movement between" solids and thereby formedinto a rigid structure. Y 7. A surgical cast or splint formed of amultiplicity of dry and discrete geometrical :solids in the shape ofsolids having a curved surface, as substantially half spheres, andformed of a plastic material which have been joined by connecting meansof less dimension and greater flexibility than the said solids andthereby conformed about an injured member with one layer of a strip conetasting another layer only at the solids, thereby providing air spacesbetween solids and providing contacting surface portions betweenadjacent solids and which solids have been adhesively secured at saidcontacting portions preventing relative movement between solids andthereby for-med into a rigid structure. l 3. A surgical cast or splintformed .of a multiplicity of dry and discrete geometrical solids in theshape of tapered solids, as substantially truncated cones, and formed ofa plastic material which have been joined by connecting means of lessdimension and greater flexibility than the saidsolids and therebyconformed about an injured member'with one layer of a strip contactinganother layer only at the solids, thereby providing air spaces betweensolids and providing contacting. surface portions between 7 adjacentsolids andwhich solids have been adhesivelysecured at said contactingportions preventing relative movement between solids and thereby formedgreater flexibility than said solids, joining said solids to form astrip, whereby said strip may be conformed about an injured member withone layer of a strip contacting another layer only at the solids,thereby providing'air spaces between solids and providing solids havingcontacting surface portions which maybe adhered together to preventrelative movement of said solids and form a rigid structure.

v 10. A surgical cast or splint material ready for application,comprising a multiplicity of dry, discrete. and geometric solids in theshape of fiattened sollds,as, substantially discs, andformed of aplastic material; and relatively flexible means, or less diameter andgreater flexibility than said solids, joining said solids to form astrip, whereby said strip may be conformed about an injured member withone layer of a strip con'-' tacting another. layer" only at the solids,thereby providing air spaces between solids and providing solids havingcontacting surface portions which may be adhered together to preventrelative movement of said solids and form a rigid structure.

11. A surgical cast or splintmaterial ready for application, comprisinga multiplicity of dry, discrete, and geometric solids in the shape ofsolids having a curved surface, as substantially halt sphereajandformedof aplasti-c material; and relatively flexible means, of less diameterand greater flexibility than said solids, joining said solids' to forma. strip,- whereby sa'id strip may be conformed about an injured memberwith one layer of a strip contacting another layer only at the solids,thereby providing air spaces between solids and providing solids havingcontacting sur-' face portions which may be adhered together to preventrelative movement'of said solids and form a rigid structure.

'12. A surgicalcast'or splint material ready for may be adhered togetherto prevent relative movement of said solids and form a rigid structure.i r v 13. The method of forming a surgical castor splint froma stripcomposed of a multiplicity of discrete geometric solids having a minimumthickness of one thirty-second of an inch and formed of a. plasticmaterial joined by means which are of substantial flexibilityaslcompared to the said solids thereby providing substantial flexibilityin thecloining means as compared to said solids,- comprising flexing thejoining means in conforming the said strip about an injured member;positioning saidsolids with surface por-. tions of adjacent solidscontacting and with air spaces between said solids; and adhesivelysecuring said contacting-surface portions of said solids togetherthereby preventing relativemovemen t between solids and forming a rigidsurgical structure;

i '14; A surgi cal cast or' splint formedof a mul tiplicity of dry anddiscrete geometrical solids having a minimum thickness'of onethirty-second of an inch and formed of a plastic material which havebeen joined by connecting meansof sub-.

stantial flexibility as compared to said solids and thereby conformedabout an injured member with contacting surface portions betweenadjacent solids and air spaces between solids and which solids have beenadhesively secured at said contacting portions preventing relativemovement between solids and thereby formed into a rigid stEm-cture.- I

15. A surgical cast or splint material ready for application comprisinga multiplicity of dry, discrete, and geometric solids having a minimumthickness of one thirty-second of an inch and formed of a plasticmaterial; and relatively flexible means, as compared to said solids,joining said solids to form a strip, whereby said strip may be conformedabout an injured member with said solids having surface portionscontacting and open spaces between solids to form a cast or splint byflexing said flexible means and the contacting portions of the solidsmay be adhered together to prevent relative movement of said solidsandform a rigid structure.

16. The method of forming a surgical cast or splint from a stripcomposed of a multiplicity of discrete geometric solids of a plasticmaterial joined by means which are of substantial flexibility ascompared to the said solids thereby providing substantial flexibility inthe joining means as compared to said solids, comprising flexing thejoining means in conforming the said strip about an injured member;positioning said solids with surface portions of adjacentsolids'contacting and with air spaces between said solids; andadhesively securingsaid contacting surface portions of said solidstogether thereby preventing relative movement between solids and forminga rigid surgical structure.

17. The method of forming a surgical cast or splint from a stripcomposed of a multiplicity of discrete geometric solids in the shape offlattened solids, as substantially discs, and formed of a, plasticmaterial joined by means which are of substantial flexibilityas comparedto the said solids thereby'providing substantial flexibility in thejoining means as compared to said solids, comprising 'flexingthe joiningmeans in conforming the said strip about an injured member; positioningsaid solids with surface portions of. adjacent solids contacting andwith air spaces between said solids; and adhesively securing saidcontacting surface portions of said solids together thereby preventingrelative movement be tween solids and forming a rigid surgicalstructure. I

I 18. The method of forming a surgical cast or splint from'a'stripcomposed of :a multiplicity of discrete geometric solids in the shape ofsolids having a curved surface, as-substantially half spheres, andformedof a plastic material joined by means which are of substantialflexibility as compared to the said solids thereby providing substantial flexibility in the joining means as compared to said solids,comprising flexing the join- .ing means in conforming the said stripabout an injured member; positioning said solids with surface portionsof adjacent solids contacting and with air spaces between said solids;and adhesively securing said contacting surface portions of said solidstogether thereby: preventing relative movement between solids andforming a rigid surgical structure.

f 19. I'hemethodof forming a surgical cast or splint astrip composed ofa multiplicity of discrete geometric solids in theshape of taperedsolids, as substantially; truncated cones, and formedof apla'stic"niaterial joined'by means which are of substantial flexibilityas compared to the said solids thereby providing substantial flexibilityin the joining means as compared to said solids, comprising flexing thejoining means in conforming the said strip about an injured member;positioning said solids with surface portions of adjacent solidscontacting and with air spaces between said solids; and adhesivelysecuring'said contacting surface portions of said solids togetherthereby preventing relative movement between solids and forming a rigidsurgical structure. 1

20. Asurgical cast or splint formed of a multiplicity of dry anddiscrete geometrical solids of a plastic material which have been joinedby connecting means of substantial flexibility as compared to saidsolids and thereby conformed about an injured member with contactingsurface portions between adjacent solids and air spaces between solidsand which solids have been adhesively secured at said contactingportions preventing relative movement between solids and thereby formedinto a rigid structure.

21. A surgical cast or splint formed of a multiplicity of dry anddiscrete geometrical solids in the shape of flattened solids, assubstantially discs; and formed of a plastic material which haveconformed about an injured. member: with con,- tacting: surface portionsbetween adjacent: solids and air'spaces between; solids? and whichsolids have been adhesively= securedat said contactingportionspreventing relative movement. between solidsand thereby formed=intci arigid: structure:

22. A surgical cast or splim: formed, oia multiplicity of dry anddiscrete geometrical: solids in the shape of solids having." a curvedsurface;v as substantially half spheres, and formed of. a;plasticmaterial. which haverbeemjoined by, connectingmeans of. substantialflexibility as compared to said solids and thereby conformed about aninjured member with. contacting: surface portions between. adjacentsolids and airspaces. between; solids and which solids have been;adhesively secured" at. said contacting-portions preventing.- rela'tive-movement between; solids-and thereby formed into a rigid structure.

23. A surgical cast or splint formed ofa multiplicity of dry anddiscrete geometrical solidsin. the-shape of taperedEsolidaassubstantially truncated. cones, and formed: of a plastic material whichhave been joined by connecting means of: substantial flexibility ascompared; tosaid' solids and thereby conformed about an injured memberwith contacting surface portions between adja-. cent solids. and. airspacesbetween. solids andwhich solids have been adheslvelysecured at.saidcontacting portions preverna-ingv relativemovement betWeensolidsandthereby formed intoa rigid. structure.

24; A surgical'cast or splintnraterial ready for application comprising.a multiplicity of. dry, discrete, and geometric solidsiintheshape. of;solidshaving: a. curved: surface, as substantially half. spheres;, andformed.- .of a plastic material; and

relatively flexiblemeans, ascompared to said.-

solids, joining said solids to-for-ma strip, whereby said strip may beconformed. about an injured member with said solids having surfaceportionscontactingandopen-spacesbetween'. solids .to form a cast, orsplint by: flexing said flexible meansand. the contacting portions ofthe solids may beadhered together to prevent relatives movement) of.said solids and form a rigid structure.

25.- A surgicakcast. or splint. material ready for application.comprising a multiplicity of dry; discrete;and:geometricsolidsintheshapeof tapered solids, as.- substantially truncated cones, and formers 0ta-plastic material; and;relatively flexible means; ascompared: to saidsolids, joining said soiids to form a strip; whereby said. strip may beconformed about an injuredrmember with said solids havingsurfaceportions contacting'and open spaces between solidstoform a cast. orsplint by; flexing saidflexible means and. the contactin portions ofthe. solids may be: adhered together to-preventi relativezm'ovement ofsaid solids and formarigidstructure;

26; A- surgical-cast or splintmaterial ready for application; comprisinga multiplicity of dry, discrete,.and geometric solids of a plastic"material; and relatively, flexible means; ascompared to said solids,joiningsaid solids to form. a strip; whereby said strip may beconformedabout an injured member with said solids having surface portionscontacting? and .open spacesbetween solids to form a cast or splint byflexing said flexible means and thecontacting; portions of the solidsupon adherence= together by the-useof asolvent. containportions of thesolidsrupon adherence togetherv by use of a solvent containing solutionwill; prevent relative movement of saidsolids. and: form a, rigidstructure.

- ROGER ANDERSON.

